A Basic understanding of Hip Replacement Surgery
This article will help you understand what hip replacement surgery is, the anatomy of a hip joint, signs you may need a hip replacement, types of hip replacement, and how long a hip replacement can last. Sometimes the hip becomes impaired by either a fracture, avascular necrosis, or arthritis (which is the common cause), you may find it difficult and painful to do your normal day-to-day activities like bending, walking, or even sitting.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is a safe and effective procedure that involves the surgical removal of the damaged sections of the hip joint and is replaced with parts constructed from ceramic, metal, and hard plastic.
One of the main objectives of hip replacement surgery is to restore natural joint alignment. (1) This artificial joint helps reduce your pain, increase motion, improve function, and help get you back to doing the normal activities you enjoy.
What is the structure of the hip joint?
The hip joint is a complex ball and socket synovial joint that fuses between the head of the femur (top of your thigh bone) and acetabulum (part of the pelvis) (3). The ball rotates in the socket, allowing your legs to move forward, sideways, backward, and rotate. It is responsible for movement and is also designed to support body weight. The structure of the hip allows a great variety of movement needed for daily activities like sitting, standing, walking, and bending.
Alternative treatment plans you can try before hip replacement are:
1. Over-the-counter medication for the management of pain
2. Exercising around the hip
3. Canes, walkers, and other walking aids
4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating inflammation and pain
Signs that you need a hip replacement
If hip pain hinders you from carrying out daily activities like sleeping, sitting, walking, etc.
When with the aid of walking supports, medications, and other lifestyle modifications do not adequately help your symptoms or are no longer effective, you may consider having hip replacement surgery.
Pain in your hip when mobile and immobile.
Certain types of Hip fracture.
Ankylosis spondylitis- is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and stiffness of the spine.
Types of hip replacement surgeries
Total hip replacement - involves using artificial components to replace the entire hip.
Hip resurfacing- Occurs when the damaged femoral head is trimmed and resurfaced with a smooth metal cover. The bone socket of the hip is also lined with a metal shell. It is mostly carried out in young patients. (5)
Partial hip replacement or Hemiarthroplasty - involves replacing only the femoral head. It does not replace the socket.
How long do hip replacements last?
Your new hip is designed to last for a long time but not forever. Principally, a hip replacement prosthesis can remain effective for about 10 -20 years, while some even last longer if you take the necessary precautions post-op. That is, 95% last for about 10 years, 75% last 15-20 years, and about 50% last above 25 years. (6) If you are young and active, you might need a replacement. Your surgeon determines that.
References
1. https://www.brainlab.org/get-educated/hip/hip-anatomy/how-does-your-hip-joint-move/
2. https://teachmeanatomy.info/lower-limb/joints/hip-joint/
3. https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_hip-replacement.asp
4. https://www.drugwatch.com/hip-replacement/
5. https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hip-replacement-overview
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